Wherever possible , he retained original parts – such as the clock mounted to the overhead cabinetry . Unfortunately , the original cupboard doors throughout had to go . Andrew built new MDF doors and finished them with a laminate that ’ s an almost-perfect match to the original .
He was unable to find the green vinyl that would match the original dinette ’ s seat base and back rest . So , in a rare departure from his rule to keep things as original as possible , he opted for a blue vinyl . The gold highlights , however , replicate Coronet ’ s design . And demonstrating his commitment , Andrew even replicated the way the upholstery was stitched together . Really , no detail has been overlooked and I couldn ’ t help but be impressed .
ORIGINAL SCREWS !
While the pattern on the silver external cladding isn ’ t an exact match , it is closer than anyone might ’ ve hoped to find , considering the age of the van . More impressive : the screws used to hold the cladding in place are new versions of the original item . After plenty of research , Andrew discovered they were still being made – but in the UK .
He had them sent over and , being the stickler for detail that he is , fixed them in exactly the same position as Coronet did 55 years ago .
And then there ’ s the taillights . the original light fittings were made by Hella . You might think there ’ d be Buckley ’ s chance of finding replicas . But it turned out that while Hella no longer made them , Narva did . Andrew recreated the lighting configuration designed by Coronet ; however , for safety ’ s sake , he is planning to add additional side LED tail lamps . He was even able to salvage the original porch light !
It seems that Andrew always has an interesting project on the go at The RV Repair Centre . While we ’ ve only scratched the surface of what he has managed to achieve thus far with this 1965 Coronet Princess , suffice it say we ’ re very impressed and can ’ t wait to see the final product .
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